(Photo courtesy Edmonton Oil Kings, Western Hockey League)

By Justin Goulet

Edmonton Oil Kings mourn loss of Caleb Reimer

Aug 23, 2021 | 10:56 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The hockey community is mourning the loss of three teens, including a member of the Edmonton Oil Kings.

16-year-old Caleb Reimer was one of three killed in a collision in British Columbia Saturday morning. At around 2:45 a.m., Reimer, along with fellow hockey players Ronin Sharma and Parker Magnuson died when their vehicle collided with a tree in Surrey.

Reimer, from Surrey, joined the WHL’s Oil Kings in 2019 after being selected 18^th overall in that year’s WHL Prospects Draft.

In a statement, the team’s President of Hockey Operations and GM Kirt Hill said, “we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Caleb Reimer at the age of 16.”

“Caleb was a young man with a bright future both on and off the ice. He was a person that you loved to be around, he was a great teammate and a great friend. I will never forget the first phone call we had the day we drafted him to the organization and the excitement of Caleb on the other end of the line. We will all remember his first WHL goal at the DCA and the pure joy and excitement that followed his celebration with his teammates. We will truly miss having Caleb in our lives each and every day.”

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Hill added that Reimer was “part of our family and will be a tremendous loss in all of our hearts.” He also expressed his condolences on behalf of the entire organization to Reimer’s family and the families of Ronin Sharma and Parker Magnuson.

Reimer was a breakout star in the Oil Kings’ 2020-21 Central Division Championship season. In 19 games with Edmonton, he recorded five points (three goals, two assists), six penalty minutes and a +1 plus/minus rating. Before joining the WHL team, he was a standout player in minor hockey, suiting up with the Delta Hockey Academy. In 40 games with their U18 Prep team, he scored 18 goals and dished out 19 assists, racked up 12 penalty minutes and secured a +1 plus/minus rating.

Oil Kings coach Brad Lauer said Reimer had a bright future and “it was rewarding as a coach to see him develop as a person.”

“Despite a shortened schedule, Caleb showed huge improvement in his first season.”

“Remembering his first WHL goal – the excitement that he had, the exuberant reaction from his teammates – it was obvious that in a short time he became an integral part of our group. He was one of those kids you love to coach – always a smile on his face and was excited to be part of our team. He was driven to succeed and was an exceptional athlete – a player who makes your whole team better in his presence.”

“He will be greatly missed by the coaches and the entire Oil Kings organization. To lose him at such a young age is difficult to process. My thought and prayers are with Caleb’s family, and the families of Ronin Sharma and Parker Magnuson, at this tragic time.”

The Oil Kings will provide support services and resources for their players during this time.